(This chapter references how I feel about this new series and cannot seem to leave. I love this series, and it will tie me over until Kingdom Hearts releases another game, whether it would be an app or 4. We are stuck here since Kingdom Hearts 4 won't be seen until 2026. I feel no remorse for this chapter. I needed to let this out. Enjoy!)

           Yuu was sitting by herself and observing the peaceful world and was staring at it with wonder. She was surprised that she could go home, but she didn't understand why she didn't want to go home. She observed the friends and family going about their days without a care in the world. She couldn't understand why she was hesitating now.

"Oh, my Great Seven!" Grim complained as he and Sora found her, "It is so obvious! You don't want to leave me! Oh, and the others too, I suppose"

He hopped from Sora's shoulder to land on her lap. She laughed at his mannerism as he sits on her lap to purr against. Sora sat next to her warmly as he offered a warm expression.

"I think it is because you don't want to leave your friends and partner behind" Sora answered simply, "Which is always hard to do. That, or maybe you're not ready to go home just yet"

"You think so?" Yuu asked as she tilted her head to him while petting Grim.

"Sure! I know that feeling too well" Sora answered as he put his hand over his heart, "I didn't want to be separated from Riku and Kairi again nor did I want to leave my home. Though, I didn't hesitate to when it came to protecting them. I believe you're in the same situation with them. You've formed a lot of strong bonds with everyone. You don't want to lose them, but you won't even if you leave. When I left on my journeys, all my friends were with me. They gave me their strength and support as I faced challenge after challenge. So, no matter where you go, I am you will have the same strength and support that your friends give you!"

Yuu stared at Sora with Grim even turning his attention to the keyblade wielder. There was sadness and pain with those words he spoke, but there was also a hint of hope and relief to it as well. There was experience behind those words he spoke.

"Thank you, Sora" Yuu said as she offered some relief to him, "That gives me some comfort. I think you're right. I don't want to leave them just yet. I know my family and friends are worried about me, but I need to stay with them. I am sure I will find a way home, but until then, I will stay with them. I hope that's ok with you and everyone"

"Sure!" Sora encouraged warmly as Grim sighed in relief that she wasn't leaving just yet.

Yuu noticed that and embraced the monster cat who groaned at her affection. With that, the trio decided to stay here for a bit and rest here before returning to everyone, unaware of the looming threat approaching them and their friends.

The students from the Heartslabyul were sitting in the garden near the castle. Riddle was sitting on a white bench with Trey and Cater was sitting on either side as Ace and Deuce were pacing in a frustrated manner.

"Seriously, how could they say that about Riddle?!" Ace said in a frustrating manner with Deuce fuming while pondering something, "Sure, he did hurt those students, but I don't see Riddle acting out like that! How rude!"

He expected Deuce to chime in, but he didn't. Ace turned to his fellow freshmen who was lost in his thoughts.

"I am just thinking about this" Deuce said slowly, "But I don't think they're ideas of us aren't wrong, but it is also not right. I also noticed Princess Kairi wasn't one of the wielders who were against us. I think there is more to this than we know"

"So, are you going to side with them instead of us?!" Ace snapped.

"No! I am thinking!" Deuce defended, "I don't think this is right, but I think there's more to this! Think about what the Queen of Hearts did in the footage. She did attack them and used her position to fight back as well as her rules"

"Oh! Deucy is right! How did we not notice that?!" Cater exclaimed, "Riddle did that already!"

This surprised the sulking dorm leader who turned to Cater with a hurt yet confused expression. Trey adjusted his glasses as he thought about Cater's conclusion while taking in Deuce's deduction.

"That's actually correct" Trey said slowly as he explained the situation to his best friend, "You did unleash your rage and used your position against us. We did stand against you and made sure you were stopped. But the difference is you learned and improved! Do you think that's the reason our Riddle is fine?"

"Maybe that's why Kairi wasn't upset! Come to think of it, Ephemer wasn't upset with Riddle either. The only one who was is Skuld! But why are the rest so unsure about this?" Ace asked confused, "Come to think of it, I wonder why they feared that. Did they experience with this before?"

"It could be that" Riddle finished as all the pieces fell before him, "When Ephemer entered my heart, I saw his story. He has been tricked, hurt, and lost so much. With him was Skuld and a few others. They've been hurt so much, so I understand why she was hesitant along with the others. In the end, I believe Ephemer and Princess Kairi are more open to the idea of this while others need to accept it. Much like how we do"

The students were quiet and listened to the dorm leader closely. They were silent as they let his words sink in. Riddle finally calmed down as he wiped some forming tears as he nodded his head.

"I also believe Ace is right. They shouldn't base everything on the past and only accept a person for who they are. I feel much better now. Thank you for helping me. We should return to them. I may be one of the smartest students in our entire school, but traveling to other worlds is not my specialty" Riddle said in relief as his dorm mates agreed with calm, encouraging, and warm expressions.

They prepared to return to the castle, but Riddle felt something change. He let Cater and Trey walk pass him as he slowly turned his head around to see a figure of darkness. He blinked and didn't see the figure anymore.

"Hey! Riddle! Are you ok?!" Ace asked as he approached his dorm leader.

As the dorm leader turned to Ace, he saw the same figure and acted as the figure unleashed a beam of darkness! Riddle quickly tackled Ace and himself to the ground to avoid the beam with Cater screaming. Deuce and Trey held their magic pens as they followed the beam of darkness that swirled around and went towards them!

"What is that?!" Deuce asked in a horrified manner with Trey standing in front of him.

He adjusted his glasses to look at it and tried to make sense of it. Riddle stood up and summoned his staff to fight against the incoming wave of darkness. Ace placed a hand over his chest before sitting up and staring at it with Cater behind him.

"This is different from a phantom, but I cannot understand it. Right now, we are going to defeat it and return to the Keyblade wielders!" Riddle ordered as he waved his staff to unleash a wave of fire.

The fire burnt against the darkness, causing it to hiss in pain before it glares at Riddle. The beam of darkness turned its attention to Riddle and prepared to strike him. Riddle held himself as cast a beam of fire to push it back with all his might. The dorm students were impressed and worried as they weren't sure how long Riddle could hold out for. Ace noticed the darkness was slowly eating away his dorm leader's fire and knew it was going to harm Riddle! Without hesitation, Ace picked himself and roughly pushed Riddle from the darkness before it could grab his dorm leader! Riddle fell and rolled a bit with Cater rushing to his side as Deuce lunged to grab Ace who was being by the darkness!

"Deuce! Let go!" Ace shouted as Deuce roughly grabbed his wrist.

"No way! I am not letting you go!" he snapped as his delinquent side came out with him pulling all his might to free his friend.

Ace rolled his eyes before trying to pull Deuce off him, but the darkness was smarter than the freshmen. It latched onto Ace's arm before grabbing Deuce's!

"What did I tell you?!" Ace snapped at his friend who tried to pull the darkness off him.

Both let out a scream as the darkness engulfed them before disappearing! Riddle's eyes were wide as Cater's jaw dropped.

Only Trey was able to speak as he said in disbelief, "What just happened?"

Riddle struggled to stand, but he was able to thanks to Cater who was unsure of what had even happened.

"We have to find them!" Riddle ordered as he felt himself losing it a little bit, "We cannot go back without them!"

As much as the two juniors wanted to, they had a feeling they should turn around and return to the castle. They wanted to find their two freshmen, but they were clearly out matched by it.

Trey cautiously approached the shaking Riddle and put a hand on his shoulder to speak calmly, "I understand, but this is something powerful. I don't think we were taught how to handle this. I am sure the Keyblade wielders might know something. We should return to them. That will be the best way to help Ace and Deuce"

As much as Riddle wanted to protest, he knew his vice dorm leader was correct. Riddle agreed as they slowly turned around to leave. However, the darkness that taken the freshmen away and had risen from the ground to slowly follow them. Riddle felt the same bad feeling as he turned to see the darkness again!

"Cater! Trey! Run!" Riddle shouted as he reformed his staff to slam it on the ground to create a powerful wall of fire to protect themselves from the darkness!

Trey turned around with Cater stumbling before he turned around. Riddle was being pushed back as the darkness tore through the wall of fire and nearly reached him.

"Cater, please look after Riddle and Chenya" Trey said as he drew his magic pen and ran to Riddle's side!

"Oh, no! You're not soloing this without me!" Cater snapped before running to join Riddle's other side.

Riddle was ready to scold them for not listening to him, but this caught him off guard as the wall of fire was being destroyed! He wasn't sure how long he was going to keep it up, but Trey and Cater shared a nod before their magic pens were glowing. Both took a step away from Riddle before casting a spell to teleport him out of the garden!

"Cater! Trey!" Riddle shouted as he realized what they were doing and tried to grab them.

"See ya, Riddle!" Cater said with a wave of his hand.

"Don't worry, you have Chenya and the others. Everything will be ok" Trey reassured as he tipped his hat up.

In a flash of green and orange light, Riddle was teleported back to the castle as Cater and Trey stood side-to-side as the darkness was easily crushing the wall of fire.

Cater let out a nervous laugh as he asked, "So, are you sure we'll be ok? Because this doesn't look ok to me"

"Well, I wanted to reassure Riddle at least. I am sure everything will be ok" Trey said with as much confidence and relief as he could muster, "Besides, we should find Ace and Deuce. They might be in more danger than we realized"

That only caused Cater to let out a nervous laugh even more as the darkness washed over the wall of fire and covered them before melting into the ground to disappear.

"Tch, idiotic herbivores the lot of them" Leona grumbled as he slouched while marching out of the castle and towards the backstreets, "Sure, I'll suffer the same fate, even though I have no intentions of doing he did. I may be lazy and pick fights, but I have reasons"

Cheka was running and stumbling after his uncle with Ruggie scooping the kid into his arms and Jack running with them.

"Leona!" Ruggie called out as the lion beastman stopped running and waited for them to catch up, "Thank you! Why did you have to storm out?! Yeesh! It is hard to catch up with you"

Cheka struggled in Ruggie's arms, but he shouted, "And why were you being mean to them? They were just talking!"

Leona growled before letting out a roar of his own to silence them. They were quiet as they stared at the prince who rolled his eyes and turned his head to them.

"We are not going to depend on them" Leona answered firmly, "If they are only going to brand us as villains and nothing more, then what is the point of working with them? We have enough to worry about as is. We don't need this anymore"

Ruggie agreed with a nod of his head while Jack crossed his arms with Cheka pouting at his uncle. Leona didn't want to hear them complain at his statement while turning away from them to only hear something in distance. His ears twitched as he heard something approaching.

"What?" he asked confused as he turned around to see a beam of darkness about to jump them, "Get down!"

He tackled them to the stony sidewalk to then gaze up when he saw the beam of darkness flying away! Ruggie was screaming with Jack staring at it as Cheka clung to Ruggie tightly.

"What was that?" Jack asked seriously as he drew his magic pen with Ruggie holding Cheka close.

Leona conjured his staff to slam it on the ground to growl, "I don't know, but I don't like it. That's not normal. We have to kill it"

"How?! How do we kill a being of darkness?!" Ruggie shouted in a panicked state.

Before Jack could shout a suggestion, Leona slammed his staff to the ground to make a wall of vines to protect themselves from it. Ruggie shouted as Leona tried to think of a solution to save them. He wasn't sure if he could defeat this thing, but if he could help them escape, he would be fine with that.

"I have an idea, but this requires you and Jack to take Cheka to those key wielding herbivore" Leona ordered, "When I remove this wall of vines, you will head to that castle"

"What about you?" Jack asked as he realized what his dorm leader was referring to.

Ruggie fumed, "Oh, no! You are not leaving us! We are going to get home together! Also, you promised to help me!"

Cheka added seriously, "And what about our family? We will not leave you!"

"I need you to get out of here! I will not let anything happen to you!" Leona roared at them as he failed to keep the wall of vines up.

The darkness noticed this and took its chance to strike the wall of vines and break it! Leona covered his face with his elbows to gaze between them to see the darkness coming towards him! He didn't have enough time to move as Jack was the one who pushed his dorm leader to safety with Ruggie jumping to pull Cheka away! Leona hit the ground on his side as he stared at his freshman with wide eyes.

"Jack!" Ruggie shouted in disbelief as the darkness grabbed the wolf beastman.

He struggled in the darkness' hold on him. He wasn't going down without a fight as he roared and fought with all his might.

"Unleash the Beast!" Jack roared as he used his unique magic to transform into a giant, white wolf.

He lunged out of the darkness' hold and growled in front of Leona. Leona sighed in relief before picking himself up and holding his staff.

"Good job, fresh" Leona said seriously, "Now, let's hunt our prey!"

He slammed his staff on the ground to have vines burst from the ground to hold it in place. Jack tried to bite it and use his magic to do it some hard, but Leona had an idea. He looked at his gloved hands and took it off. Both took turns covering each other before Leona was close to grabbing the darkness.

"Time for you to meet your end!" Leona declared as he showed his fangs, "King's Roar!"

His hand gathered golden magic dust as he prepared to grab it. The darkness noticed this spell and grabbed his wrist! Leona was caught off guard as he soon found himself on the ground and his hand touching it!

"No!" he roared as he saw the spell strike the ground to turn it into dust!

The darkness abruptly grabbed Leona and held him in the air as he grunted. The darkness slowly dripped over him to cover his entire body with darkness almost! Leona struggled, but the darkness felt cold and numbed his entire body! He could feel himself freezing up!

"No... I can't fall here! I refuse!" he grunted as he fought as much as he could.

Jack jumped and bit the darkness to break his dorm leader free. Leona fell and turned to Jack who rolled and shook as much of the darkness off him as he could. The darkness splattered on the floor, but the darkness slowly rose to jump on the wolf beastman!

"Jack!" Ruggie shouted in a panicked tone before placing Cheka on the ground to charge to help the freshman, "Hands off my fresh!"

Ruggie quickly ran across the ground to cast his magic from his magic pen. Ruggie was quick and avoided as much of the darkness as he could before scampering away to create some distance between himself and the darkness. Jack was struggling to break free, but he wasn't sure how long he could keep this up.

"Come on, come on!" Ruggie grunted as he ran back in to find an opening to free his freshman.

He cast more magic that exploded in an orange light. Jack let out another howl before trying to bite the darkness and break himself free! The darkness splattered on the ground again as Leona jumped to gather more magic to his hands.

"Then, let's take this chance again!" Leona said as he gathered more magic, "King's Roar!"

Golden dust gathered to his hand before he slammed on the darkness to destroy it! He huffed and puffed as the darkness disappeared into a pile of golden dust. Leona sat on his knees and observed the darkness that turned into golden dust.

"Well, that should be it" Leona said calmly as he took his chance to calm himself down and recover as much as he could.

He believed that to be it, but he was exhausted from summoning his unique magic twice. He failed to notice that the darkness rose upward and around him! Leona's eyes were wide as he tried to find a way out of this, but Jack and Ruggie shared a nod. Ruggie hopped on Jack as both charged towards Leona.

"Come on, Leona! Laugh with me!" Ruggie said as he cast his unique magic to hop off Jack's wolf form.

Ruggie made Leona run of the darkness and grab Cheka. Ruggie then cast his magic to teleport his dorm leader and the nephew back to the castle. Jack transformed back to himself as he was on his hands and knees. He was gasping as the darkness covered them with Ruggie holding onto the freshman.

"Are you ready, Jack?" Ruggie asked nervously.

"I sure am, Ruggie" Jack replied as he held onto the sophomore before the darkness took them away.

Azul, Jade, and Floyd were standing by the fountain. Azul was still frustrated with the idea of losing to Prince Rielle again as the twins didn't care. Azul paced in front of them. Jade was standing as Floyd was sitting and leaning back to nearly touch the fountain. Neither were really concerned since they knew Azul would plan something fun for them in the end.

"So, do we even have an idea on how to return home?" Floyd asked curiously as he glanced at his brother and Azul, "Cuz I don't think we can summon those swords nor use our magic to get back"

"My Floyd, do you want to return home that badly?" Jade asked surprised as he held a hand to his chin.

"Nah, but it wouldn't be as boring as here" Floyd commented, "I wanna do something!"

Jade only laughed at his twin's reaction, but Azul didn't find it funny at all. Azul couldn't make sense of this. No matter what, they were destined to lose? That can't be! Why were they the ones to lose all the time?! Why can't they have a happy ending of their own?!

"Hey, Azul, are you going to make it?" Floyd asked with a shake of his head, "You look like you're about to burn a hole in the ground or something with all that pacing!"

Azul sharply turned his attention to them as they were unamused nor caught off guard by his reaction.

"How are you fine with this?!" Azul asked in complete disbelief.

"Fine with what?" Floyd asked as he tilted his head to the side with Jade blinking at his friend.

"We are destined to lose!" Azul shouted in annoyance, "We are not supposed to have the ending we want! We are doomed to suffer the same fate as the Great Seven! Doesn't that bother you in the slightest?! No matter what we do it will not be enough!"

This surprised the twins as Floyd groaned.

"Eh, that never stopped us before" he commented with Jade adding, "Yes, we will not be deterred by this. We haven't before, so why would we start now?"

Azul stood still as he understood their reasonings. It is true that they will lose to Royal Sword along with those who were viewed as the heroes, but that didn't mean they could do something about it!

"Boys" Azul spoke with a mischievous grin, "I believe you have a point. True, we may lose to them, but we will have the last laugh! I know exactly what we will do about this! Who is with me?!"

The twins laughed in agreement as they stood up and held malicious expressions. They would create the perfect scheme to win over those from Twisted Wonderland while unaware of the darkness that had formed in the water. The darkness burst from the fountain as all three were surprised and turned to it.

"Oh? Does the water want to fight? Coolio!" Floyd said in delight as he held his pen to cast his magic to strike it.

They expected his magic to effortlessly destroy the darkness, but the darkness used the water to protect itself before lunging towards them again!

"Jade! Floyd!" Azul said as he took a step back with both in front of him.

"Eh, this is going to be good!" Floyd said as his magic pen flashed, "Bind the Heart!"

He believed his unique magic to counter and direct the darkness away as his twin would cast his powerful magic to destroy it. Both were surprised to see the darkness turning away to then turning back at them! They ducked and expected the darkness to strike them, but they saw the darkness coming at Azul!

"Why is going after him?!" Jade asked surprised as they ran to Azul's aid.

"Oh, no! That's unfair! I want to fight him! Does it have to matter if you Overblot?!" Floyd asked annoyed as he ran faster towards the darkness that caused Jade some concern.

Jade wondered if the darkness wanted Azul for that reason and also ran faster towards the dorm leader. As for Azul, he swung his cane to use the fountain's water to strike the darkness and keep his distance from it.

"It doesn't matter if it wants me. We will destroy it!" Azul snapped as he saw the darkness burst through his water, so he punched it!

The darkness did bounce back, but some fell on his glove. The darkness then jumped to grab him, but he kept his guard up and threw the glove on the ground!

"What in the Great Seven?" Azul asked in a whisper as he saw the darkness rip the glove to shreds once it realized that Azul's hand wasn't present!

The darkness jumped to grab him again, so Azul used the water to push himself away with Floyd casting a wave of water to wash it over!

"If it wants Azul, then Azul should get far away from here" Jade informed them, "We don't know anything about this darkness and how it reacts to us. If it wants Azul, then we should keep him safe"

Azul took his stand and shook his head in disagreement, "I refuse to be in debt to you pair of twins. I will not flee from this and triumph!"

The twins only shared an expression as they found a way to help their friend and annoy him.

"Oh, well!" they said as Azul was caught off guard.

Jade charged up another spell as Floyd let out a twisted laugh before charging at the darkness while switching between his spells and unique spell.

"Floyd! Watch yourself! You could accumulate blot!" Azul cautioned as he lunged to help his friend, but Jade finished charging his spell to strike Azul!

Azul cried out in pain before falling to his knees and holding himself. He weakly looked at Jade who shouted something to his twin brother before turning to Azul with his pen glowing a bright light. Azul grabbed Jade's hand weakly as he turned to smile.

"I am sorry about this, Azul" Jade said with a grin, "But we will not let you be taken from us so easily. Now, let us, your friend and vice dorm leader take care of this"

Jade let go of Azul's hand before casting a spell to teleport Azul away from them and back to the castle. Jade sighed with a shake of his head as he made sure he was presentable. He turned around to see his twin brother being knocked back by the darkness.

"Eh! This is getting annoying!" Floyd said as the darkness swung at him.

Floyd groaned at the incoming attack, but Jade created another barrier to protect themselves. As Jade used his magic, the darkness repeatedly struck the barrier over and over to create cracks and close to destroying it!

"Well, I don't see us getting out of this one so easily" Jade commented as he held his hand out to his twin brother, "So, how do we want to go out?"

Floyd grabbed his twin brother's hand and stood up with him. They shared an expression before the barrier cracked into piece. The darkness grabbed them before pulling them into a deep into the darkness.

"JAMIL!" Kalim shouted with worry as he ran after his friend with Najma behind them, "Please don't leave us! I am sure everything will work out!"

He grabbed Jamil's shoulder to pull him back, but Jamil roughly turned around to smack Kalim off him. Najma was surprised and covered her mouth with her hands while Kalim held his smacked hand.

"Are you this stupid?" Jamil asked in a frustrated tone, "You don't get it, do you? I will never be free from you! I will fall because of you! I will never be free! I am doomed to fall to fail! I am going to lose! I have no chance of winning!"

Kalim waited as Jamil shouted out his frustrations and worries to him with Najma staring and unsure of what to do. Jamil felt exhausted as he was panting and fell to his knees, letting exhaustion finally hit him.

"Why? Why can't I be free? I don't want to suffer that fate" Jamil confessed in a tired manner, "I did so much, so why? Why can't I have my own happy ending?"

Kalim calmly sat before his friend and held his hands out. Jamil simply stared at him with tears forming in his eyes. He wanted to be free so bad, but was he doomed to lose?

"I will do everything I can to ensure you're free, Jamil" Kalim said seriously as he stared at Jamil's hurt expression, "I don't want you to suffer anymore. I know you don't want to be with me either, so I will do everything I can to make sure you don't suffer that same fate"

Najma hoped that would be the reason as well. She sat with them as she held Jamil's arm. She shook her head and leaned against him.

"I didn't know you were suffering so much" she whispered in a painful tone, "I didn't know, and I know why. I don't want you to suffer anymore either. I believe the two of you will do everything you can to ensure that"

They stared at her as she nodded her head.

"I don't know much about what happened in your time at school and life, but I know that this can't be your ending either" Najma confessed as she tilted her head side-to-side, "I don't think that you will follow the same path as the Great Seven, because you know how their stories end. I think you'll find a way to have your happy ending soon enough. I don't know when, but soon enough"

They were surprised to hear this from her, but they sighed in relief that she would believe that. Kalim hugged them close as he let out a laugh.

"Yep! Since we know how the story will end, we don't have anything to worry about! We will make sure this will not end like this for us!" Kalim said in a cheerful manner with Jamil rolling his eyes and Najma giggling.

They shared a warm, soft embrace as they were together and enjoying this moment of peace. Though, it didn't last long as Jamil heard something dripping behind them. He turned around as Kalim was caught off guard with Najma holding his arm tightly.

"What is it?" both shouted as Jamil gazed at the area behind themselves.

"Do you see anything?!" Kalim asked curiously as Jamil went to hold his magic pen in his hands.

He could hear the dripping sound getting louder as he stood up and searched for it. Kalim and Najma were standing behind him as he remained alert. He was sure there was something there. He took a cautious step forward, but a wall of darkness washed before them! Kalim let out a yell as Najma held onto her brother's arm tightly.

"Jamil! What is that?!" Kalim shouted as he summoned his scepter.

"I don't know, but you and Najma need to leave! I'll handle this!" Jamil ordered as his pen flashed a red light to cast fire spells at the darkness!

"JAMIL!" they shouted with worry as they saw him charging ahead.

Fire burst from the pen and struck the darkness, but the darkness was able to withstand the spell and lunge at him! Jamil rolled away before picking himself up to cast another fire spell to cover himself and led the darkness away from them.

"Come on, come on" Jamil said urgently as he continued to run.

He turned a corner to enter the town as people were running away from him when they saw the darkness chasing him. The town's defense system activated to fight the darkness, but it didn't do much against it. As the people were panicking, the Restoration committee rushed outside and saw the darkness! They stared at the darkness and Jamil in a surprised manner before two of the members rushed after them. They didn't notice Kalim and Najma were running after him as quickly as they could.

"Jamil!" Kalim shouted as he and Najma were running after him at full speed.

"Kalim! Can't you summon the magic carpet?! We have to catch up to him!" Najma shouted urgently.

"Oh! Right!" Kalim replied as he waved his scepter to create a burst of light to have his carpet appear, "Ok, carpet! I need your help! Please help us reach Jamil!"

The carpet appeared from the light to lower to them for them to use to follow Jamil and the darkness. Kalim made sure Najma was secure on the carpet as they flew as fast as they could. Jamil found himself cornered and turned around to see the darkness towering over him.

"This is it, isn't it?" Jamil asked with fear in his voice as he tried to compose himself.

He couldn't hide the fact that he was terrified of the darkness that was about to wash over him. He prepared himself, but he heard Kalim yelling his name and turned to see him and his little sister riding the magic carpet!

"What are you doing?!" Jamil exclaimed in utter disbelief and worry.

They flew and grabbed him to pull him onto the carpet! They were able to fly over the town and get away from the tidal wave of darkness. Jamil recovered and turned to them who were relieved to see him unharmed and back to them.

"What are you doing?! You have to get away from here!" Jamil shouted as he grabbed his little sister's shoulders to shake.

"I am not leaving you! You're my brother! How could I leave you?!" she snapped back in defiance.

"Also, you're a friend to me!" Kalim shouted defensively as he was close to crying, "We couldn't leave you here alone! That isn't right!"

Jamil stared at them as he felt a sense of relief and worry. He couldn't believe that Kalim was trying to help him. He couldn't believe Kalim actually wanted to help him. As for his little sister, he didn't want her in danger either. He wanted to do everything to make sure she would be safe and get to live her best life.

"Why?" he asked as he looked at them in a hurt and confused manner.

After everything he did, why did they still want to help him? Did they still love and care about him in the end? He reached out to them to hold them, but the darkness struck the carpet! They let out a scream as they were thrown off the carpet. The darkness grabbed Najma as Jamil watched in disbelief and wide eyes as he saw his little sister being taken away.

"No, Najma!" Jamil shouted as he tried to reach out to her until Kalim grabbed him to direct the carpet to them.

The carpet was able to grab and carry them away from the darkness! Kalim made sure Jamil wasn't rushing to jump off the carpet.

"Let me go!" Jamil shouted as he struggled to break free from Kalim's grasp.

Kalim shook his head as he replied, "I will not let you fall too! I am going to make it up to you, Jamil!"

He noticed the carpet was exhausted and slowing down from the darkness. Kalim could feel Jamil's worry and anguish over Najma, so Kalim decided to do something.

"Carpet! Make sure Jamil gets back to the castle! We will need their help! Don't worry! I'll be back soon enough!" Kalim ordered before wiping his tears and grinned before spinning the scepter in his hands to cast powerful light spell to temporarily blind the darkness to then jumping off the carpet!

The carpet flew as fast as it could to carry Jamil away from this place! Kalim slammed his staff on the ground to create a wall of light to protect himself as best as he could with Jamil staring with wide eyes.

"See ya soon, Jamil!" Kalim said as he looked over his shoulder with a bright grin before holding his scepter in front of himself to reinforce the wall of light.

As the wall was still standing, the darkness continued to ram itself into it before breaking! Kalim let out a panicked yell before composing himself to then casting a wave of water to wash it away from him. However, Kalim failed to notice the darkness coming from behind. He let out a yell of freight as the darkness completely washed over him.

"Honestly, the nerve! The very nerve!" Vil complained as he marched through the town as the people stared at him with a curious expression.

Rook and Epel were accompanying him while reassuring the people that this was normal for him.

"And do not get me started on their manners! Ungrateful! I respect her tenacity and plans! I understand that she did try to poison the princess, but who hasn't at this point?" Vil complained in utter annoyance.

Epel was thinking to himself while Rook did his best to support his dorm leader and partner. Vil was surprised that Epel wasn't entirely agreeing with them, but he was too annoyed with everything to even argue.

"If I may, dorm leader?" Epel spoke up as they stopped and gazed at him with curious expressions, "I don't think they're right or wrong about this"

"What do you mean?" Vil asked as he crossed his arms over his chest and gazed at Epel.

"Think of it like this" Epel explained, "They only believe in one version of this story. They don't know of the other version. It reminds me of myself with you, Vil. I only saw one side of you, but now I know who you really are! So, I think it is the same with them"

Rook was over the moon about Epel's words while Vil was impressed and a little sadden still.

"That is true, Epel" Vil spoke calmly, "But it doesn't change the fact that they do not have the drive to see this. Or perhaps they're afraid of the past repeating itself. That is a valid fear to have, but that is what stops progress and work from happening. I am willing to extend my hand out to them, but are they willing to take it?"

"I think they will" Epel confessed with confidence, "Much like how I did. Sure, it took me a while, but I did turn a corner! I know they'll do the same! I know Ven and Strelitzia weren't thinking of hurting us. They were ready to help! I don't know about Vanitas, but they didn't want the same thing as the others! I am sure of it!"

Although Vil will correct Epel on his speech, he was touched by his words and belief in him. Vil finally relaxed, much to Rook's relief as he jumped to pull him and Epel into a warm embrace!

"Oh! Très bein! Merveilleux! I couldn't have said it better myself, Monsieur Cherry Apple! I am sure that it the case as well! After all, they helped us and Neige with saving our Roi du Poison! Do not worry about Vanitas for he is with us!" Rook exclaimed in delight and a tight hold as Epel let out a strangled cry.

Vil only laughed in relief at his partner's words of agreement before deciding to relax. Though, he relaxed a little too soon as he and Rook sensed something approaching them. Rook threw themselves to the ground to avoid a beam of darkness!

"What in tarnation?!" Epel cried out before adjusting himself to see the beam, "What in the heck is that?!"

Vil and Rook stood up to observe the beam of darkness, but both were unsure of it as well. Regardless, both stood up and prepared themselves for a fight and made sure Epel was behind them.

"It doesn't matter" Vil declared, "We will deal with this. Epel, please focus on watching our backs. Rook, please hunt this!"

"Oui!" Rook shouted as he held his magic pen and cast grass magic to cover the darkness with it.

Vil summoned his tome before himself and cast fire magic to burn the leaves on the darkness. Vil was sure his spell did enough damage as the darkness tried to shake of the leaves and fell the power of his spell, but the darkness recovered quickly before it dove towards Vil!

"Get down!" Rook shouted as he tackled himself and Vil away from it.

"How did it manage to withstand my spell?!" Vil asked in disbelief while Epel took cover and observed the darkness.

Epel paid close attention to the darkness and his dorm leader before holding his magic pen and thinking about their situation. He wanted to confirm his theory before doing something risky that he was sure Rook would agree with but not his dorm leader.

"That is a formidable foe, Roi du poison" Rook confessed as he cast his own fire magic to burn the darkness to only find the darkness coating itself to take the spell, "How shall we hunt it?"

Vil was trying to understand that as he cast another grass spell to blind the darkness as best as he could. The darkness seemed to be lost and confused as Rook and him stood side by side with fire magic burning from the pen and tome. Together, they let out a yell and unleashed a powerful burst of fire that exploded at the darkness! Vil kept his eyes narrowed, but Rook pulled Vil close before ducking and rolling away from the darkness that nearly grabbed Vil! With that, Rook and Epel realized what was happening and shared a nod.

"Yarh!" Epel shouted as he caught Vil's attention, "I won't sit back and do nothing! Watch me take a stand!"

"Epel! Get back! This is an order from your dorm leader!" Vil declared as Rook held Vil close and tightly with his magic pen glowing, "Rook! What are you doing?!"

"Apologizes, my Roi du poison, but you may scold me for later!" Rook explained with a grin before it turned serious, "Monsieur Cherry Apple! Now!"

"On it, Rook!" Epel shouted before calming himself and approaching Vil who realized what was happening!

"Epel do not! I order you to not do this!" Vil stated strongly as he put up a huge resistance, "Rook let me go!"

"Sleep Kiss" Epel whispered softly before casting his magic to put his dorm leader to sleep and covered in a beautiful, clear coffin.

Vil was feeling sleepy and did everything he could to stay awake, but he felt too drowsy as he saw his partner and Epel's bright expressions before falling asleep. Rook sighed in relief as the darkness was surrounding them. Rook cast his magic to teleport Vil away from them and back to the castle. Rook then placed a hand on Epel's shoulder before holding a determined expression.

"So, you knew the enemy was going to attempt something, didn't you?" Rook asked as the darkness slowly coiled around them.

"Yeah, but I couldn't do nothing. I had to do something. Sorry about that" Epel confessed as he faced the darkness with his pen, "But I don't know how we are going to face this"

Rook wasn't sure as well as he steeled himself.

"At least we are here. I know our stunning dorm leader and my favorite idol will find a way to save us with our new friends! Though, do not worry, I shall not leave you alone, promise" Rook reassured as Epel grinned before both were calm and let the darkness take them.

As for Idia and Ortho, both were outside of the castle with Idia pacing in a panicked manner while Ortho hovered at his side. Unlike everyone who was frustrated with the Keyblade Wielders and trying to find a way home, Idia was concerned about something else.

"Oh, gods, how are we canon to the Kingdom Hearts timeline?! Also, when does this happen?!" Idia exclaimed as he grabbed his flaming hair in disbelief.

Ortho sighed at his older brother's reaction, but it also made him curious too. This was one of their favorite game series, and they were told a few other things regarding it as well. Though, they did have other things to worry about besides that.

"Big brother, I understand this is confusing, but we do have other matters to attend to" Ortho reminded him, "We have to find a way home"

Idia waved his hand to produce a hologram screen displaying a keyblade.

"Oh, we won't be able to go home without this" Idia concluded effortlessly, "Or, I could build us a ship, but I doubt I would be able to pull something like that off. Eh, I probably could!"

Ortho's jaw dropped if he could and his eyes were wide in disbelief.

"You knew this entire time and didn't say anything?! Why?!" Ortho asked as he hovered in front of his older brother in disbelief.

Idia groaned before sitting down to hold his legs close to himself and replied, "Because there is another problem with this, and I know you saw it too. We can't get along, so I am not sure how we are supposed to do this. We can't wield a keyblade nor create a vessel. Though, the problem is the keyblade wielders do view us as enemies because of our relation to the Great Seven, and we are too stubborn to agree with them"

Ortho sighed as he hovered away from his big brother and processed what he said. He knew Idia wasn't wrong, but he didn't believe this would be the same in the end.

"But I don't think that would be the case for long!" Ortho encouraged warmly, "Because everything will end well! They'll see us for who we are instead of enemies! I know we will find a way home and be friends with them! I know it!"

Idia only grinned at Ortho and found his light in his little brother. They shared a bright smile until Idia's screens were blaring loudly to them. Idia turned to the screens and found a powerful source approaching them. Idia went to the screen and tried to make sense of it.

"What is it?" Ortho asked in worry.

"I don't know, but something isn't right" Idia answered in a worried manner, "I don't know what this means!"

Ortho closed his eyes and tried to understand this data, but he opened his eyes once he realized the powerful source was coming towards them! Ortho rushed to grab his big brother and fly away from the beam of darkness!

"What is this?" Ortho asked in a worried manner.

"I don't know, but this is cold and heartless. Heartless? HEARTLESS?!" Idia exclaimed as he created a smaller screen to examine it, "Ah! This is darkness is the Heartless! But where is this coming from? Why is it here now?"

Ortho was surprised his big brother was able to come to this conclusion so quickly. Idia was running a bunch of numbers and trying to find a way out of this situation. Ortho made sure to keep Idia away from the darkness while also running his own calculations before sending everything to his big brother. Ortho knows Idia is one of the smartest mages of their lives. He knew his big brother could find the ultimate solution to this.

"Big brother, do you know anything about this?" Ortho asked as he continued to fly away while looking over his shoulder to see the darkness still following them.

"I am not sure. Eep!" Idia exclaimed as the darkness nearly grabbed his leg.

Ortho gasped as he looked at the darkness trying to take away his big brother. Ortho ran another idea and concluded something. Ortho finalized his thoughts to send everything to his big brother before landing away from the darkness to configure something for his big brother to use. Idia recovered for a moment with his hands on his knees to then seeing a screen appearing before himself. He was surprised to see the data and conclusion Ortho drew up for him and gasped.

"This means the darkness only wants those who Overblot! Why?" Idia exclaimed as he stared at his little brother, "Oh, that's because we have the most magical power and abilities!"

Ortho hummed in agreement as they heard the darkness approaching them! Idia defensively stood in front of his little brother with his magic skull at his side. He was ready to protect his little brother, but Ortho had other plans. The darkness approached the brothers and prepared to attack them.

"Ortho, get back! Leave it to your big brother" Idia ordered seriously as magic was charging from the skull.

"I am sorry, big brother" Ortho whispered before lunging at him to tackle him away from the darkness and placing his hovering jets on Idia's sides, "But I made a promise to our brother and parents. I will watch out for you. So, please save me this time!"

Idia's eyes were wide as he saw his little brother holding a joyful and trusting expression before the darkness swallowed him.

"No, not again..." Idia whispered as he felt himself flying away and reaching his hand out to his little brother, "ORTHO!"

Ortho had given everything to his big brother and made sure his jets took Idia back to the castle to receive help from the keyblade wielders.

Lastly, Malleus did walk out with his guardian and knights at his sides. Malleus was worried about finding a way home, but he was worrying for Yuu.

"How dare they! They should offer their help to us and Lord Malleus!" Sebek declared passionately while Lilia remained quiet and noticed his son's thinking expression.

"Is everything alright, Silver?" Lilia asked curiously to Silver who was holding a hand to his face.

"I am fine, but I am thinking about everything that has happened" Silver explained, "But everything they experienced is an event that happened to them, but the others aren't sure of that. Namine and Ienzo didn't show signs of being hostile. Riku is tense and I understand why. However, I don't believe this is just them. I sense another force at play here"

They listened to Silver intently as he wondered about something.

"They also know of my powers and even compared it to Princess Aurora" Silver continued, "They didn't find me as a threat and knew of my relationship to Lord Malleus. That did seem to be a concern until they understood me. I wonder if there is a reason for this distrust. I don't believe they mean to be harmful, but I sense something more to this. I am speculating, but there has to be more to this than we believe"

Sebek crossed his arms and held a frustrated expression while wondering what his grandfather would do in this situation. Malleus held a hand to his face with a curious expression as well, but Lilia nodded his head.

"I believe I understand Silver's concern. Namine was never an enemy or gave me that impression" Lilia agreed with a nod of his head, "She and Ienzo never gave me a hostile feeling. They were willing to help. As for Riku, he wasn't angry. He was hesitant and didn't want to make another mistake. That is a huge difference"

Malleus agreed with his guardian as he reminded them, "And they are no different from me and what I had done. I had used my powers for selfish reasons. I believed what was right while not considering everyone else's viewpoint. As a result, I brought more harm than good. I understand what they are attempting, but I do not believe they are doing harm to us. In fact, they were only doing what they believed was right. We should simply wait this out until both sides are ready"

Sebek agreed before asking, "Lord Malleus, could you not use your magic to take us back home? Your magic is tremendous and powerful! Surely this would be an easy feat for you!"

"I do agree, but we are in a different world with different regulations. It would be unwise for me to do that. It could do more harm than good which is something we shouldn't attempt to do" Malleus answered before breathing in and out, "Besides, I know we will return home. I fear for my Child of Man if anything. This is a decision to make. Although I want my Child of Man is dear to me and I want by my side, I know it is not my decision to make. I will be supportive and wait for that is all I can do"

Sebek and Silver bowed with proud expressions and Lilia grinning and laughing. Though, Lilia was tense as he turned around and held his baton to see something approaching. Lilia remained on guard with the two knights rushing to his side.

"Lilia? What is it?" Malleus asked as he crossed his arms over his chest and prepared himself.

The guardian remained alert until they were greeted with a wave of darkness! Lilia reacted first and used his magic to create a powerful barrier as Sebek and Silver charged up their magic before casting a powerful green lighting and wave of light. They expected their magic to strike the being of darkness down, but it countered with its own dark magic!

"What?!" Sebek cried out in disbelief while Silver shouted, "Father, what is this?!"

Lilia transformed his baton into a green axe, took a stance, and let out a yell as he tried to cut down the darkness with a powerful swing. Lilia put all his might into the swing and tried to break it. He fell back to slam the axe on the ground to create another barrier. Malleus stepped before his guardian with his magic bursting from his hands.

"Allow me to show you the might of a king!" Malleus declared as he held his hand out to unleash a powerful burst of green magic to destroy the darkness before themselves.

Sebek cheered with Silver relaxing, but Lilia was the only one on guard. He didn't like this as he noticed the darkness that Malleus defeated had reformed and tried to jump him! Malleus was caught off guard as he froze while Lilia jumped before the prince to push him away!

"I promised Malleona and Levaan that I would look after you, Malleus" Lilia promised before smiling at Silver, "And I only want to you to grow to your full potential and enjoy life, Silver, my son"

The darkness swallowed Lilia with ease as Sebek held Silver back. The darkness quickly surrounded them and tried to latch onto Malleus who put up a barrier to protect himself as well as Sebek and Silver. Malleus was determined to protect them with all his might, but the knights shared an understanding expression before gathering magic to their pens. Together, they stood beside each other and in front of Malleus.

"Sebek? Silver? No! I do not want you to do this! As your king, I order you to not do this!" Malleus declared as he gathered his magic before he noticed their steadfast expressions.

"It is our job as your knights to protect you, Lord Malleus!" Sebek declared with his booming voice.

"And I will not let father down either. I will carry out his wishes, Lord Malleus!" Silver finished as he kept himself calm.

Together, they turned around to unleash their magic to teleport Malleus away! Malleus reached out to them as he disappeared in a silver and green light. Both knights relaxed before seeing the darkness around them.

"So, are you ready to meet with father?" Silver asked as he tried to be positive in their situation.

"Of course, I am! I was prepared for this as Lord Malleus' knight!" Sebek snapped before calming down, "But I am relieved that I will not be facing this alone. Thank you for being here with me"

Silver only grinned as they stood together until the darkness swallowed them to then bursting into pieces. The darkness that had captured everyone, but the Overblot students flew to the sky to shatter it again! A loud crack echoed around the world as everyone starred at the sky in horror. Sora, Yuu, and Grim jumped when they heard the sky breaking and turned to it.

"What is going on?!" Grim shouted in a panicked tone.

"That's what happened when you and your friends arrived in the worlds!" Sora exclaimed as he stood up to stare at it.

Yuu knew something was up and saw the castle gathering powerful magic before stating, "We need to head to the castle! I need to help them!"

Sora nodded as the trio rushed to the castle, determined to solve this new threat and help their friends.